Understanding the Endocannabinoid System For Concussions

Post-traumatic headache disorders commonly share features with migraine or tension-type headache disorders and become chronic in a substantial portion of patients contributing to a poor quality of life and disability. A significant subset of patients in the military with a concussion has reported chronic daily headache. In fact, Post-traumatic headaches are one of the most common symptoms of the post-concussion syndrome, it not the most common symptom.

This study discusses the role of the ECS (the endocannabinoid system) and cannabis and the relationship between them along with their potential in treating and their potential use for phytocannabinoids to treat pain, migraine, and concussion.

According to the international classification of headache disorders-3 BETA, a diagnosis of a persistent headache attributed to traumatic injury to the head is given when a headache persists for more than 3 months. Adding to its burden, persistent headache after a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury may contribute to poor sleep and psychosocial disorders, as well as complicate recovery from cognitive dysfunction after head injury.

A headache after concussion persists in a substantial portion of patients. Sensitized trigeminal neurons lead to a lowered threshold of activation, which more readily triggers a headache.

Exogenous modulators of the eCB, whether derived from the plant or synthetics, have been shown to alter pain in acute, chronic and neuropathic conditions, including a migraine and are expected to play a significant role in a headache and other pain conditions resulting from a concussion.

Keep in mind that there are still no FDA approvement cannabis-based treatments for concussions or post-traumatic headaches. However, if cannabis is legal in your state or country you may have access to it to treat concussions. If this is the case it is vital that you first consult your doctor about taking cannabis to treat concussions or other medical conditions.

Registered with the British Psychological Society, breaking the taboo on mental health issues is one of the driving forces in Jonathan's life. His background in biomedicine gives him additional understanding of the factors that work together to influence the human condition.